Zimbabwe: to go or not to go?

It’s the old question: do you support an evil dictatorship with your tourist dollars? As with any form of sanction, the issue is complicated.

However, it’s important to note that most lodges are private and Zimbabwe’s national parks are an authority, not a ministry subject to Mugabe’s treasury. So in theory your money doesn’t go to the government, but is ploughed back into the parks.

While the reasons for staying away were relatively clear cut while Mugabe was sole leader, the current power-sharing scenario does change the political landscape. It’s up to each individual to decide where and when the moral weight tips in favour of visiting and investing.

As to the usual tourist fears concerning safety, fuel shortages, currency restrictions, etc, Zimbabwe is largely back on track, especially in the north-west. For instance, the country now uses multiple currencies, so there are no more hassles with forex. Petrol and diesel are widely available, supplies are easily obtainable and supermarket shelves are full again, although prices are high.

As to safety, travelling in Zimbabwe remains a safer option than South Africa.